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Best Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Credit (2026)

COUNTRY Financial, USAA, and Auto-Owners offer the best car insurance rates for drivers with bad credit.

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Cheapest recent rates for drivers with poor credit

Insurify’s drivers have found rates ranging from $45/mo. to $261/mo. in the last few days

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on May 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from May 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on May 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from May 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Katie Powers
Written byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
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Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Quick Facts
  • Studies show that drivers with poor or low credit histories may be more likely to file claims.

  • Drivers with poor or average credit pay an average of 18% to 47% more than drivers with good credit.

  • Country Financial offers the lowest rates for people with bad credit and poor driving histories.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit

Country Financial has the cheapest insurance for drivers with poor credit, but improving your credit could lead to more competitive rates from other car insurance companies. 

The table below shows the cheapest rates for drivers with bad credit.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, May 11 at 12:00 PM PDT. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Country Financial$49
USAA$61
Auto-Owners$78
State Farm$87
Allstate$88
Mile Auto$90
American Family$92
GEICO$97
Commonwealth Casualty$99
Safeco$102
The General$104
National General$106
Mercury$109
Root$111
Direct Auto$111
Nationwide$113
Dairyland$115
Erie$116
Travelers$117
GAINSCO$118
Bristol West$126
Farmers$128
Elephant$130
AssuranceAmerica$136
Anchor$138
Liberty Mutual$149
Clearcover$151
Plymouth Rock$154
21st Century$158
Shelter$160
CSAA$174
State Auto$182
The Hartford$183
Chubb$226
Hugo$229
Amica$297
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

How credit history affects car insurance rates

A credit-based insurance score isn’t the same as a credit score.[1] Auto insurance companies assign insurance scores based on a driver’s partial or full credit information. Studies suggest that a driver’s credit history may accurately indicate their likelihood of filing a claim.

Auto insurance companies assess information like payment history, outstanding debt, credit history length, pursuit of new credit, and credit mix when creating a credit-based insurance score. Payment history and outstanding debt have the biggest effect on your premiums.

Remember that your credit history and credit score are also two separate things. Your credit history is the comprehensive credit-related information contained in your credit report. A credit score is the numerical calculation based on your credit report that lenders use to determine your risk as a borrower.[2]

Your credit-based insurance score won’t affect your ability to borrow money.

The use of credit-based insurance scores is permitted in nearly every state. But California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Hawaii, Utah, and Michigan place restrictions, bans, or limitations on how insurers use credit for setting auto insurance rates.

Find Cheap Car Insurance for Your Credit Profile

Monthly liability rates average $119 for drivers with bad credit

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 14,273 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Which states prohibit credit-based insurance scoring?

Seven states limit or prohibit the use of credit in insurance ratings:

  • Michigan: Insurance companies can only set payment options, not determine policy premiums or eligibility, based on credit history.

  • Maryland: Car insurance companies can use credit history only for initial policy rates.

  • California: Auto insurers can’t use credit-based insurance scores when underwriting or rating policies.

  • Hawaii: The state bans credit history from influencing car insurance premiums.

  • Massachusetts: Car insurers can’t use credit histories for setting rates or for accepting or renewing policies.

  • Utah: Insurers can use credit information when underwriting new auto policies.

  • Oregon: The state limits what credit information can influence policy underwriting and rating.

Best insurance companies for drivers with poor credit

Check out the best insurers for drivers with poor credit in the table below.

Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Liability Quote
sort ascsort desc
Best For
sort ascsort desc
COUNTRY Financial$49Bunding and discounts
Mile Auto$90Low-mileage drivers
GEICO$97Coverage availability
Auto-Owners$78Poor driving record
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.

COUNTRY Financial: Best for bundling and discounts

User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
NR
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$42/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$90/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 67 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Country Financial

Customers appreciate the prompt claims service and personal touch but are frustrated by the constant rate increases and lack of discounts.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Good claims process
High customer satisfaction
How drivers feel about Country Financial

Customers appreciate the prompt claims service and personal touch but are frustrated by the constant rate increases and lack of discounts.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Good claims process
High customer satisfaction
Showing recent national reviews - See all 35 Country Financial reviews
Luke
Verified Review
Country Financial
Reviewed in Colorado on February 23, 2026
For years, they were the best we could find, then the rates skyrocketed from $800/month to $1800/month. Typical greedy insurance.
Tracy
Verified Review
Insurance Experience
Reviewed in Nevada on October 28, 2025
It's good insurance, but I'm over 55, own my vehicle, and have been with them for many years, yet my policy has never gone down. It just steadily rises. I even drive less than 20 miles a day. It seems like you pay and pay and pay, and I never get anything out of it. Like with most insurance companies, you may never use it, and you've paid all this money. It's frustrating paying for something you don't get anything out of.
Teresa
Verified Review
Getting too pricey
Reviewed in Illinois on October 25, 2025
The experience has been good; the exception is the constant percentage increases. They are pricing me out of their services because I can purchase comparable coverage for less (and we are “bundled” with autos, home, and liability). I believe I will be changing my auto insurance as I find comparable coverage for $230/6 months for less.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
665
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.44
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

COUNTRY Financial has more than a century of experience in the insurance industry, which includes consistent AM Best ratings of A or higher since 1933. Car insurance coverage is limited to fewer than 20 states, most of which are west of the Mississippi River. 

The upside for drivers in these states is that COUNTRY Financial’s range of discounts and telematics can offer drivers with poor credit, who normally see high premiums, savings of 25% or more.

Pros
  • Diverse discounts offered based on occupation, marital status, and age

  • Policyholders work directly with insurance agents in their state

Cons
  • Available in only 19 states

  • Insurance quotes available only by email or over the phone

Mile Auto: Best for low-mileage drivers

User Reviews
4.5
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.8 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$74/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$133/mo
4.5
Best choiceBased on 202 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mile Auto

Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
How drivers feel about Mile Auto

Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
Showing recent national reviews - See all 68 Mile Auto reviews
Sabrina
Verified Purchase
Good
Reviewed in Tennessee on May 6, 2026
I just wish they would send me an actual insurance card and my policy info in the mail, not just email, because I have no way to print it.
Maureen
Verified Purchase
Low mileage savings made easy
Reviewed in Georgia on April 16, 2026
This is great for keeping your insurance costs down if you don't drive much. Leave yourself a little room when it asks for average miles per day, as we all have unexpected journeys from time to time. I've not had a problem with sending pictures or making payments online.
Olanrewaju
Verified Purchase
Reasonable coverage.
Reviewed in Georgia on March 17, 2026
So far, it has been very good.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
2.18
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NR
Why we picked this company

Mile Auto offers pay-per-mile insurance, which is designed for policyholders who drive less than 10,000 miles annually. Drivers with lower credit scores can help control their costs instantly by limiting their mileage. 

The insurer sets a base rate, and it charges an additional cost each month based on the number of miles driven, which are verified via odometer photographs. Customers are generally pleased with the service, though some express frustration with higher-than-expected rates and a poor online user experience.

Pros
  • Potential to pay nearly 40% less than current premiums

  • Liability-only coverage available for the cheapest rate possible

Cons
  • Available in only 8 states

  • No other car insurance discounts available

GEICO: Best for broad availability

User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.2 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$80/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$148/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 18,072 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing recent national reviews - See all 7,719 GEICO reviews
Steven
Verified Review
Geico only cares about numbers, not you or me.
Reviewed in Florida on May 10, 2026
Make sure your needs are properly insured and don't allow them to underinsure your policy.
Tehseen
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in Oklahoma on May 10, 2026
Great, Geico gave me the coverage I needed.
Ismael
Verified Purchase
Great experience
Reviewed in California on May 10, 2026
Great customer service.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

GEICO has a long, solid reputation in the industry, which includes an A++ AM Best rating, and it’s available across the U.S. Its rates for drivers with poor credit are competitive with those of smaller, regional insurers. 

If you’re a safe driver, you could save even more with GEICO’s DriveEasy usage-based telematics program, which offers a sign-up discount of 15% and up to 25% off your premium.

Pros
  • 24/7 customer service and nationwide availability

  • Extensive discounts available

Cons
  • Rates for drivers with average/poor credit aren’t as low as some competitors

  • Higher premiums for drivers with traffic violations on their records

Auto-Owners: Best for poor driving history

User Reviews
4.3
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.2 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$45/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$87/mo
4.3
Best choiceBased on 335 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners

Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners

Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing recent national reviews - See all 150 Auto-Owners reviews
James
Verified Review
Does not take care of business. People they send for damage repair are way off base on their pricing
Reviewed in Nebraska on April 12, 2026
Not a local company anymore. I haven’t had a claim for years, and my insurance keeps going up.
Twitty
Verified Review
Good company, just the rates are too expensive
Reviewed in Florida on April 4, 2026
Uneventful.
Darryl
Verified Review
Insurance Shopping
Reviewed in Missouri on March 22, 2026
Good, but I've never had a claim with them on this vehicle, and the rate has more than doubled. That's the reason for finding a cheaper policy.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Auto-Owners not only provides competitive car insurance for drivers with bad credit, but it also has some of the lowest national averages available for people with incidents in their driving history. Additional benefits include the potential to waive a collision deductible and waive the surcharge fee for at-fault accidents.

The company also offers homeowners and renters insurance. Policyholders who bundle can take advantage of a common loss deductible for damage to their car and home.

Pros
  • Extra coverage options available to limit deductible/claims costs

  • Favorable rates for people with less-than-perfect driving histories

Cons
  • Available in only 26 states

  • Mid-range customer service scores have fallen recently

How to lower your car insurance costs with poor credit

Few actions can improve your credit overnight, which is why long-term strategies like minimizing your credit card usage, monitoring your monthly FICO score, and checking your credit report online require patience.

The good news is that drivers with poor credit can use a variety of long-term and short-term strategies to lower their insurance costs. Telematics, discounts, and deductible changes often have an immediate effect on your premiums. Think of it like the “avalanche method” for car insurance prices.

Maintaining a good driving record and sticking with the same insurance company for multiple years also increase your opportunities to lower your monthly rate over time.

Here’s a closer look at these methods and why each might be an effective way to lower your rates while you improve your credit.

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Save up to $1,100 per year on coverage

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 14,273 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Bundling discounts

One of the most popular discounts across insurance companies is a bundling discount. You can earn a common bundle discount by purchasing a homeowners insurance policy and an auto insurance policy from the same company. But remember that renters insurance, pet insurance, business insurance, life insurance, and even additional vehicle insurance policies usually make you eligible for the discount.

Telematics and usage-based programs

Many insurance companies are expanding their insurance offerings to accommodate diverse drivers. Pay-per-mile programs offer opportunities for drivers to pay a lower base rate and additional per-mile fees. Telematics programs use a device plugged into the car or a mobile app to monitor your driving habits. Habits that fit the telematics criteria, such as steady braking rather than hard braking, can make drivers eligible for discounts.

Increase your deductible

Your deductible is how much of the financial responsibility you take on when filing an insurance claim. Increasing your deductible tells your insurer that you’ll pay for a greater share of the damage cost. Insurance companies typically lower monthly premiums for drivers with higher deductibles. Opting for a low deductible, on the other hand, tends to increase premium.

Maintain continuous coverage

Maintaining continuous coverage can help you in two different ways. Some car insurance companies, like American Family and Liberty Mutual, offer loyalty discounts for customers who maintain their policy for years. And since having a lapse in coverage can lead to premium increases, maintaining continuous coverage even between insurers helps keep costs as low as possible.

Pay your policy in full up front

Many car insurance companies, like GEICO and Progressive, offer discounts for policyholders who pay for the full policy amount up front. Depending on the size of the discount and initial quote, you could save hundreds of dollars.

How to increase your credit score

A safe driver can still receive high premiums because of a low credit-based insurance score. Even though the insurance company looks at overall credit history, not just the credit score itself, improving your score can improve your full credit profile.

Here are a few tips for increasing your credit score:[3] [4]

  • Check your credit. Check your credit report annually via Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax, and report any inaccuracies.

  • Pay your debts. Pay your loans and bills on time each month, including the full monthly balance on your credit cards.

  • Manage debt-to-credit ratio. Keep your debt-to-credit ratio low and manageable.

  • Avoid credit applications. Delay any new credit applications.

  • Keep accounts open. Avoid closing current credit card accounts, even if you aren’t using them.

  • Maintain savings. Save for expensive purchases instead of taking out a loan or paying with a credit card.

  • Ask for extensions. Ask for extensions on bills you may be late to pay, or ask if paying a portion of the amount you owe will temporarily suffice.

  • Meet with a professional. If you have no or limited credit history, speak with a financial professional about ways you can slowly and manageably start building a good credit score.

Factors that affect car insurance beyond credit

Credit history is only one of multiple factors that insurance companies use to set auto premiums. Other factors include:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/6a92eb6099/insurify-icons-auto-green-96x96_005-insurance.svg

    Coverage limits

    A liability-only policy has fewer coverage options and generally costs less than full-coverage policies.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/7adadbd97c/car-and-driving-96x96-gold_023-driving-test.svg

    Driving record and claims history

    Insurance companies offer better rates to people with safe driving habits, clean driving records, and zero claims history.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/dc01f991d6/surgery-96x96-orange_010-location.svg

    Age, gender, and ZIP code

    Insurance companies look at aggregate data to suggest whether you’re more likely to file a claim based on your personal profile information.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/fcd73a8d34/smart-car-96x96-blue_001-smart-car.svg

    Vehicle type

    The cost of replacing your vehicle with a new car, repair costs, and safety features all affect rates.

Although a driver with a poor-to-fair credit likely won’t receive the best car insurance rates available, they’ll likely get a better rate with a spotless driving record. In contrast, a driver with average credit might get a lower-than-expected rate because of their recent accident or incident history.

Save on Your Next Car Insurance Policy

Compare rates from leading insurers

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 14,273 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Should you get car insurance if you have bad credit?

All drivers need to secure the minimum car insurance coverage as required in the state where their vehicle is registered.

Driving without the required insurance coverages can result in fines at the very least. Committing a traffic violation without insurance, which can include something as small as running a stop sign and as big as being involved in an at-fault accident while under the influence, can result in jail time, license suspension, SR-22 filings with future insurers, and insurance companies refusing to issue you a new policy.

You can make your premium more affordable without abandoning all forms of coverage. Liability-only coverage ensures you meet state requirements without paying for additional coverages like comprehensive or collision. You can also consider full-coverage pay-per-mile insurance if you rarely drive yet still want adequate protection without straining your budget.

Car insurance for bad credit FAQs

Your credit history can affect your insurance policy as much as your claims history. Use these frequently asked questions to find an affordable car insurance policy with less-than-perfect credit.

  • Does bad credit affect car insurance rates?

    Yes, a bad credit history can affect car insurance rates. Many insurance companies use credit information as one of many factors for setting individual premiums. Drivers with bad credit tend to receive higher rates.

  • How much more do drivers with poor credit pay for insurance?

    Drivers with poor credit pay approximately 47% more for insurance across the country than drivers with excellent credit scores, according to Insurify data.

  • Which car insurance doesn’t check your credit score?

    Car insurance companies don’t check your credit score, but most will check your credit report if state law allows. Companies believe that policyholders with unfavorable credit histories are more likely to file claims.

  • How much is insurance with bad credit?

    Drivers with poor credit pay an average of $173 per month for insurance, compared to drivers with excellent credit, who pay $124 per month.

  • Which insurance companies accept drivers with poor credit?

    Insurance companies often consider people with poor credit to be high-risk drivers. The General, State Farm, and USAA are just a few insurers that write policies for high-risk drivers.

  • How long does poor credit affect insurance rates?

    Poor credit can continually affect your insurance rates if your insurance company rechecks your credit-based insurance score during renewal periods or when you apply for a new policy with another company that uses insurance scoring. This is why it’s important to prioritize improving your credit over time.

  • Can you improve your insurance rates by improving your credit score?

    Yes. Making payments on time and properly managing your credit utilization can increase your credit-based insurance score, which may lead to lower rates. Always let your insurance agent know when your credit history improves.

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

  • Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
  • No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Sources

  1. DISB. "How an Insurance Company Can Use Your Credit Score to Determine Your Premium."
  2. III. "Credit score vs credit history."
  3. USA.gov. "Understand, get, and improve your credit score."
  4. Financial Readiness.gov. "Understand the Ins and Outs of Credit."
Katie Powers
Written byKatie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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MacKenzie Korris
Edited byMacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
MacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969

MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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